In what has become a beloved annual tradition in Delta County, Childs brings together dance troupes, musicians, costume artists, and storytellers to mark the longest night of the year. This year's theme is, "Welcome to the End of the World."

"December 21st, 2012, is a date that many counterculture types have anticipated for decades, some of them with dread," said Childs, "According to some, it's not only the end of the Mayan calendar, it's the end of human history. Here in Paonia, we're going to put it all in perspective, and we're going to go out telling stories and dancingthis year's show is going to be apocalyptic, and the next morning, the world's going to still be here."

To suit the theme of worlds ending, Childs will be telling stories drawn from his vast trove of global travel adventures, including tales of ravens, urban floods, super volcano eruptions, and Aztec fire ceremonies, and also from his latest book, the bestselling Apocalyptic Planet. On Friday evening, some aspects of the evening may not be suitable for very young children.Childs' storytelling will be complemented by two newly commissioned dance pieces, live and recorded music, new video assemblages, and will conclude (Friday only) with a DJ and wild dancing lasting late into the night."This is a highly-anticipated show, and with good merit," said Paradise Theater Director Regna Jones, "I've seen what Craig has in store, and anyone who wants to see a thrilling show produced by local artists should come out to Dark Night."